Summer

For anyone born in the Bluegrass State, the mint julep has a special significance: It's traditionally served on Kentucky Derby Day, the first Saturday in May. But it makes a great cocktail for any warm-weather afternoon. We've added a splash of club soda to make the drink a little lighter and more refreshing.

This cross between a fizz and a float  — a new take on an old-fashioned treat is lovely warm-weather refreshment.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Set up an assembly line to make six or so of these lovely cocktails at a time: Fill each glass with the liqueurs, then top with Champagne. Flutes are elegant but not essential.

Great over rice or toasted French bread.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Heres a cool combination thats excellent with salmon. Because the bulgur is not cooked, it needs to sit overnight in the dressing to soften, so begin preparing it a day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Variations on the grilled chicken salad were everywhere in recent years. Likewise, balsamic vinegar dressings and marinades often turned up on menus, olivada (olive paste) became a pantry staple, packaged salad greens were popular convenience items, and fennel and radicchio became regulars in the produce bins.

You may add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to this jam, right at the end, to give it a tart edge that sets off the flavor of the strawberries.

Here, sliced fresh peaches and a rich brown sugar caramel sauce accent scoops of ginger-flavored frozen mousse. Margarita glasses make terrific sundae dishes.